Players missing for Blues trip

Coleraine will finally get their season started in earnest this Wednesday night when they travel to the National Stadium to take on Linfield.

The Bannsiders though will be hamstrung by another knock on effect from the Portadown situation as they take on David Healy’s men, who kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 win at Ballinamallard United on Saturday.

They will be without midfielders Neil McCafferty, who was due to serve a one-game suspension against the Ports, and David Kee, who is ineligible as he is on a season long loan from the Blues.

“It’s far from ideal for us because of Neil’s suspension and Davy’s unavailability, it’s very disappointing from that point of view, but we just have to play the hand we’re dealt with,” boss Oran Kearney told Times Sport.

“There’s no point us thinking any type of complaints are going to change anything.

“It’s a hard enough job going to Windsor, but without two of your more experienced and quality players it makes it that wee bit harder.

“But as I say that’s just it we have to kick on and deal with it now and go about our jobs.

“I don’t mind that it’s Linfield, I thonk those sort of games should really look after themselves.

“We had a disappointing game there last season and it’s one we would like to put right very quickly.

“I know the boys will be looking forward to it, and it’s a nice way to start the league campaign, and if we’re no at home, away to one of the big guns is a nice way to do it.

“We were up at Windsor last Wednesday night for the league launch and it looks beautiful now.

“For all our players you love going to places like that and playing there.

“We will get all the lads in on Monday for a good session and go about our business in the right way, I know they are all chomping at the bit to finally get to play a competitive game.